P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Formula 1 has two drivers aged over 40 and several over 35, but who will be the next to call it a day in the pinnacle of motorsport.
With Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez joining the new Cadillac team for 2026, speculation surrounds which active Formula 1 driver may retire next. Fernando Alonso, at age 44, presents a strong case, hinting that 2026 could mark his final season depending on Aston Martin’s competitiveness. The partnership with Honda and Adrian Newey could make this Alonso’s best season since 2023, prompting a decision about exiting on a high or striving for the team’s success. Despite a challenging 2025 at Ferrari, 41-year-old Lewis Hamilton is adamant about racing in 2026, yet the question arises about how long he will continue in the sport. Nico Hulkenberg’s move to Audi for 2026 after a breakthrough podium suggests he still has more to offer at 38, while Max Verstappen, aged 28, may also be a candidate for retirement in the future due to his interest in endurance racing. The suspense lies in predicting which driver will be the next to bid farewell to Formula 1.
